The RJD leaders recently raised their voice against the introduction of Surya Namaskar in the morning drill in schools despite several of them practising it, compelling the government to clarify that it had not made the yoga form compulsory in the educational institutions.
Surya Namaskar is a form of exercise. Students interested in it may practice it. The rest can do without it,” chief minister Nitish Kumar clarified. Ironically, the state RJD chief, Ramchandra Purbey, and the party spokesman, Ramanuj Prasad, regularly practise some steps of Surya Namaskar at the zoo. But they vehemently protested its alleged introduction in schools. Ramanuj said: “I gain in health and fitness by doing it in the zoo. But it is politically incorrect for our party to support it in the House.” Another leader accompanying Ramanuj said: “What is correct in personal life might be incorrect in public life.

Foodies ignoring Bihar should visit the Assembly canteen to taste delicious dishes served at reasonable prices when the House is in session. Basmati rice and mutton, seasonal vegetables, dosa, idlis, gaja (a sweet), rosogulla, laddu, tea, coffee and several other eatables are available for all — legislators, employees and journalists covering the proceedings at cheap prices. The eatables range from Rs 2 to Rs 20. One has to spend just Rs 20 for eating rice, mutton and dessert. The quality of food is good, though they are sold at cheap rate. After all, who can afford to fiddle with the quality of eatables consumed by the high and mighty in the state’s powerhouse? Even chief minister Nitish Kumar - known to be a frugal and modest eater - loves to eat the gaja prepared in the Assembly’s canteen.

JD(U) legislator Ramdhani Singh on Friday brought to the fore the saga of a heinous gang rape of a minor girl at a remote village in central Bihar’s Rohtas district. Deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi, whose career is rooted to the ABVP — an arm of the RSS — rightly took its notice and announced stern action against the culprits. In a private conversation away from the House, another JD(U) legislator said: “Modi has acted rightly. Now, the RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat, must withdraw his statement that rape happens only in India (urban society) and not in Bharat (rural and traditional society). After all, his (Bhagwat’s) protégée (Modi) has taken notice of the rape of a minor girl in a remote village in Bihar.” Other members concurred. “Rape is not an issue confined to Bharat or India. It is an offence against women that should be dealt with sternly.”

Lawmakers were peeved at thorough frisking of their vehicles at the main gate of Bihar Legislature building. The security men started checking the lawmakers’ vehicles with more seriousness after the RJD MLA, Bhai Dinesh Singh, entered the Assembly premises with liquor bottles. “While the vehicles of the officials, including those of deputy superintendent rank police personnel, are not checked, our vehicles are subjected to thorough checking by the men in uniform. It is shameful. After all, we are lawmakers. The administration must take care of our dignity and prestige,” said an MLA. Another legislator, known for his conscience and upright manners, countered his colleague. “The officials seldom enter the House with liquor bottles. But lawmakers usually break the law, barging into the House with liquor bottles and several other objectionable things,” he said. Another MLA said: “We must adhere to self-discipline and behave like true lawmakers. Otherwise, we will be treated as law-breakers.”